Young dancer thrives on hard work in 'Lord of the Dance'

Lead dancer Jason Gorman said performing in “Lord of the Dance” requires years of intensive work. The show comes to the Tennessee Theatre March 5 and 6.

There's no denying the popularity of Irish dance. With Riverdance in the 1990s, co-created by the prolific Michael Flatley, the phenomenon was a part of the national scene and moving faster and faster - much like the dancers themselves.

In 1996, Flatley debuted his own show, "Lord of the Dance," which has proved just as timeless. The current national tour of "Dance" will bring its 15th-season run to Knoxville's Tennessee Theatre on March 5 and 6 as part of the Broadway at the Tennessee series.

Lead dancer Jason Gorman spoke of the quality of the show that has kept it going for so many years.

"I think people love the athleticism of Irish dancing," said Gorman. "Michael has done a good job of packaging it and putting it on stage. That's probably why it's run for so long. People expect higher standards of professional dancing."

Gorman stars in the role Flatley originally played - but going from a young, unknown dancer to the lead in one of the biggest dancing shows in the world wasn't a cake walk.

"It's something I always wanted to do," said Gorman, who led the show at just 19 years old. "At first it was nerve racking. ... They were big shoes to fill."

Gorman, now 25, said Flatley worked with him, and gradually the young dancer developed his own style and became comfortable at center stage.

"It's great to be out in front in the story," said Gorman.

Even at 19, Gorman had three years of dancing professionally under his belt already. And of course, many more years of hard, intensive work.

"The life of a dancer takes over your whole life," said Gorman. "My body is the result of years and years of training. I still have to work hard."

Gorman said Flatley is heavily involved in the creative aspects of the show, running rehearsals, making script and costume changes, and directing the performance.

More than 100 million people worldwide have seen "Lord of the Dance," and the Irish show has performed sold-out shows at theaters, arenas and stadiums in more than 67 countries, according to a press release.

"Dance" blends traditional and modern Celtic music and dance. The story is based on mythical Irish folklore as the Lord of Darkness challenges the Lord of the Dance. War ensues and a love story fuels the dramatic rhythm of traditional Irish dance.

Stephen Woodward is a freelance contributor to the News Sentinel.

© 2010, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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